La Nuit Tourne Red

Chapter One

"Les garçons seront mignons." Ash says as she starts waving her hands in front of her face as she begins to blush. I laugh at her as I begin to wonder if she came for the experience... or purely for the French guys.
"I'm beginning to think you took French, so you could find love." I tease her as she giggles.
"You never know!"

Senior year, our class voted for us to go to Paris, France. I was so excited when I learned about it, I of course voted for Paris as well, but I love architecture. Especially older buildings and arches. I knew it would be an amazing experience. My mom was hesitant to let me go, but of course she couldn't say no.

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity... I wouldn't ever turn it down. Ash and I walk to our last class, which is together and also French. We get to discuss our rooms, what we need to bring and also discuss our partners for the trip. We leave tomorrow... exciting couldn't merely describe how it feels to be going to the city of love.

We sit down in our seats as the bell rings, Mrs. Wilson smiles at us and begins to speak.
"So today I'm allowing you all to pick a partner to share a room with at the hotel we're staying at."
The room begins to fill with chatter as everyone is excited to pick their own roomies.

Ash and I look at each other as we smile. Perfect! I get to have my best friend sleep with me instead of some random person from my class.
"I'll be giving you all sheets with out itinerary on it." Mrs. Wilson says as she begins to hand out papers. I grab my piece as I once over the list of things.

Mostly architectural museums, an opera house, and the catacombs?! My anticipation rises as a smile forms on my face.
"How many cute guys do you think we'll see?" Ash says as she almost drools again.
"I dunno. You'll have to guess." I say annoyed.
"A hundred."

We talk about which rooms we're all assigned to as Ash and I talk about what clothes she's bringing. I begin to feel uneasy as a gush of air slaps my back as I turn around I don't see anything or anything that would have made wind. I look around at students chatting as the odd mishap has me shook.

I turn back around as I shake it off and talk to Ash again.
"So who's taking the window seat on the plane?"
"It's up to you Ash." I tell her as she places her hand on her chin as she thinks.
"I'll take the aisle seat... I don't want to feel confined on the inside seat." She says as I smile.
"Sounds good to me."

The bell rings signaling the end of the day as Ash and I walk out together. Ash is popular, with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She's thinner and she likes to wear expensive clothes and accessories. I'm somewhat popular, Ash has just liked me since freshman year.

I came out of my shell over that summer and grew my hair out, and started to wear more fashionable clothes. Boys pay me more attention, but I tend to focus more on my studies. I go to parties with Ash... but only for her wingman. I don't really drink, but I do like to play party games.

Ash likes boys, and drinking, and having a good time... or being the good time. She's very outgoing, as where I'm more secluded. I try to be more social around her though, she is a nice person.
"We should go to the mall and get a new outfit for the trip." Ash says as we put our books in our lockers.

I smile at her as I nod at her.
"Can we get boba too?" I say with puppy dog eyes.
"Of course!" She giggles as we walk out the doors and to the parking lot. We get to her white Prius as we both get in. She begins to drive away as she puts on pop music. She begins to sing along as I smile and take out my phone.

I text my mom that I'm going to be a little late home as I notice a reflection in my phone as I switch it off from behind me. I glance in the rearview mirror to nothing but emptiness. I look out the window as I begin to think I may be going crazy.